HIGLEY’S HOME RUN, LEITAO’S COMPLETE GAME LEAD BASEBALL TO VICTORY, 2-1, AT LA TECH
4/7/2012
Justin Higley hit a two-run home run to back Brennan Leitao's complete game on Saturday.
RUSTON, La. - Sophomore Justin Higley hit a two-run home run and freshman starting pitcher Brennan Leitao tossed a complete game as the Sacramento State baseball team knocked off Louisiana Tech, 2-1, on Saturday afternoon in a Western Athletic Conference game at J.C. Love Field.
The Hornets (15-16, 1-1 WAC) ended a three-game losing streak with two runs on nine hit and no errors. The Bulldogs (16-15, 1-1 WAC) scored just one run on five hits with one error.
Leitao (3-3) was strong early and held on in the later innings. The Irvine, Calif., native surrendered just two hits through the first six innings and finished with one run allowed on five hits in nine innings with a career-high eight strikeouts and just two walks.
He got out of a no-out, bases-loaded jam in the seventh with a double play grounder and another ground ball out to second base. A run scored on the double play, but that would be it for the Bulldogs’ offense.
It was the freshman’s second complete game this season. He has allowed two or less earned runs in four of his five starts.
Leitao received all the run support he needed on one swing in the third inning.
Senior Hunter Adrian led off the third with a double to right but Louisiana Tech starting pitcher Phil Maton (5-3) recorded a pop out and strikeout before Higley stepped to the plate.
On a 1-1 count, Higley belted the third pitch he saw deep over the fence in right center. It was the sophomore’s third career home run and first this season. Higley has three extra base hits – two doubles and one home run – in the series.
The final game of the three-game set is at 11 a.m. PT tomorrow. Redshirt freshman RHP Ty Nichols (0-3, 9.47) will start for the Hornets with Louisiana Tech throwing RHP Trevor Petersen (1-3, 10.12).
